Matters of the heart

“ Elena! Thank goodness you are here! Do you have any idea how long I have been looking for you?

You do realize that the Rogue's just retreated. They haven't left. They are camping somewhere in the woods. What the hell are you doing here all alone! ”

Elena momentarily stopped swinging her legs and glanced back at the paranoid Leo from the top of the tree.He literally looked like he had run a hundred miles. But Elena turned around, puffing her cigarette once more, sending smoke rings towards the moon.

“ Elena! Are you even listening? ” He scaled the branches reaching her in seconds.

“ We need to get back to the pack house! It's not safe out here! ”

“ I needed some time alone! You can go back and sleep. I can take care of myself! ”

Her emotions were a whirlwind of confusion and frustration, her encounter with Kael replaying in her mind like a broken record.

Leo sighed, taking the cigarette away from her and putting it away by rubbing it on a branch.

“ I am not doubting your ability to take care of yourself. But I have seen what Kael and his words can do to you. I'm just trying to be your punching bag, like always. Take it out on me instead of yourself, alright? ”

Elena looked away. She said nothing.

“Leo, I can't believe I came back to put myself through this…" Elena muttered under her breath.

“ Wanna run away like the last time? ”

Elena punched him on his chest as they both giggled.

But their laughter evaporated faster than spirit.

Then there was total silence.

Leo leaned against the branch behind him, watching Elena with concern.

"I know, Elena. It's a lot to take in. But maybe he's changed, you know? People can surprise you.”

Elena turned abruptly, turning to face him with a mix of disbelief and resentment. "Changed? After everything he did to me? He doesn't get to waltz back in here and expect me to forgive him.Does he except for me to keep the space he left empty? ”

Leo sighed, pushing himself off the branch and stepping closer to her. "I get it. But maybe hear him out? There might be more to the story than you know.”

He hesitated for a moment before reaching out to gently touch her arm, his voice softening. "I'm here for you, Elena. Whatever you decide.”

His touch was different.It gave Elena certain goose pimples, unexpected and unsettling. She looked up to meet his gaze, seeing worry and something else flickering in his eyes. For a moment, she was tempted to lean into him, to seek solace in his embrace.

"I just wish things were simpler.”

Leo’s eyes darkened slightly as he bent even closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Sometimes, complications can lead to something unexpectedly beautiful."

Before she could process his words, Leo leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both tender and raw. Elena’s mind went blank, her body responding instinctively.

But she pulled back, shaking off the confusing emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

“Leo,I…Sorry…I mean…I just need some time to process everything."

Leo nodded understandingly, though disappointment flashed briefly across his face. "Take all the time you need. I'll be around if you need anything."

“I am waiting for you in front of the pack house. If you don't come within the next few minutes, I will be forced to report the situation. You won't like being pulled back inside, I am sure.

Get back as soon as possible! ”

He gently tapped the back of Elena's head and smiled before jumping down from the branch.

As Leo retreated Elena leaned against the branch, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths to steady herself. The tension of the evening was suffocating.

The cool breeze of the night soothed her frayed nerves. Her mind drifted back to that fateful night that changed everything.

***

(Flashback)

Elena was naive enough to confess her love openly, in front of everyone while they played a game of truth and dare.

Elena had opened her heart to Kael, only to be met with icy disdain, piercing her soul and leaving her bleeding.

"You're not what I need, Elena," he had said, his voice cold as ever. "I need a mate who can stand by my side, not a girl with a schoolgirl crush.A woman with lineage not an orphan by any chance. ”

He had left her amongst their laughter and giggles.

But she didn't care.

Kael had always lacked emotions and that was one thing that drew Elena closer to him. She was just his opposite and somehow she found his bitterness attractive.

That night she didn't go back to her room. After giving it a lot of thought, she had decided to confront him privately.

But when she reached his room, she froze. She heard muffled sounds from within.Moans to be precise.

Curiosity and dread battled within her as she pushed the door slightly ajar, peering inside. Her eyes widened in horror at the sight that greeted her.

Kael, the object of her affection and loyalty, was entangled with Selena, their bodies moving together in a rhythm that made Elena's stomach churn.

The sounds of their passion filled the room, amplifying the betrayal she felt.

"Kael?" Elena's voice was barely a whisper, but it carried the weight of her devastation.She didn't know tears were streaking her cheeks.

Kael barely flinched, his eyes flickering with annoyance rather than guilt. He disentangled himself from Selena, who smirked lazily at Elena,not even bothering to cover up, her satisfaction evident.

"Oh, look who decided to show up," Kael sneered, grabbing his pants and pulling them on nonchalantly. "What do you want, Elena!”

Elena's heart shattered further at his dismissive tone. "I came to talk to you. To understand why you rejected me. But now I see… you're nothing but a lying, cheating bastard!”

“ Careful with your words, girl! You are talking to your future Alpha! Whom are you accusing of cheating? I never promised you anything!”

Kael chuckled, stepping closer until he was inches from her face. "Grow up, Elena. Did you really think you were special? That I would choose you over someone like Selena?”

Selena, lounging on the bed with a satisfied smirk playing with her lady parts because she was clearly not satisfied with the interruption, interjected, "Sweetheart, did you honestly think you stood a chance? Pathetic.Kael,get rid of the pest and come back! I am dying to feel you inside me…"

Elena's eyes stung till her vision blurred, her voice breaking. "I trusted you, Kael. I thought you cared."

Kael's eyes turned cold, his words like knives. "You're pathetic. Get out of here, Elena. You're not wanted.”

He closed the door on her face.

As she ran away from her pack, the memory of Kael's last words before she left the room haunted her...for days and months well into her university years.

"And don't come crying to me when you realize no one else wants you either.”

(End of flashback)